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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Southland residents baked again Thursday under a late- summer heat wave expected to stretch into the weekend, pushing up temperatures and raising fears of wildfires in some areas.
"The hot temperatures lived up to their billing today and then some as light offshore flow in the morning combined with extremely hot temperatures aloft to roast most of southern California in triple-digit heat," according to the National Weather Service. "Only the immediate coastal areas were spared the extreme heat, though even there temperatures were 5-10 degrees above normal."
Forecasters noted that the heat wave "is coinciding exactly with the extreme heat wave in 2020, so while we may not break a lot of records with this event, it doesn't diminish the impacts or lessen the precautions that need to be taken to stay safe. Do not do any hiking or other physical activities except very early in the day and even then use extreme caution and stay well- hydrated."
The combination of high heat and anticipated low humidity prompted the NWS to issue a red flag warning of heightened fire danger for the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, San Gabriel Mountains, Western Antelope Valley Foothills and the 5 and 14 Freeway corridors until 10 p.m. Saturday.
Forecasters said wind conditions will "limit the potential for classic red flag criteria," however, "there is a history of large fires with similar weather conditions during this time of the year."
According to the NWS, humidity levels could drop to between 8 and 15% in the red flag areas, with little recovery during overnight hours. Meanwhile, temperatures will be soaring well into the triple digits.
An excessive heat warning took effect Tuesday morning in the western San Fernando Valley, and it will remain in force until 8 p.m. Monday -- three days longer than originally anticipated. Forecasters said the area could see temperatures reaching as high as 118 degrees.
An excessive heat warning was also extended through 8 p.m. Monday in the Santa Clarita Valley, the inland coastal area stretching into downtown Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas, eastern San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Mountains, San Gabriel Valley, and the 5 and 14 Freeway corridors.
Forecasters said those areas could reach 112 degrees.
The Santa Ana Mountains and foothills and Orange County inland areas were also under excessive heat warnings until 8 p.m. Monday, with temperatures predicted up to 105 degrees.
Even coastal areas will not be immune from the heat. An excessive heat warning is in effect until 8 p.m. Monday for the Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County beaches, along with the Palos Verdes Hills, with some of those areas possibly reaching 96 degrees, according to the NWS.
The Antelope Valley and Antelope Valley foothills will be under an excessive heat warning until 8 p.m. Saturday, with 110-degree heat expected.
A less severe heat advisory will be in place for Orange County coastal areas until 8 p.m. Monday. Temperatures there are anticipated as high as 95 degrees.
"The hottest days with this event are expected to be Friday and Saturday in most areas, and of those two days Friday has the slight edge of being the peak day," according to the NWS. "Overnight night lows will be warming up as well, especially in the foothills and lower mountain locations where some areas may stay in the 90s much of the night. Not quite as hot overnight for coast and valleys, but even there some warmer valley areas will stay above 80 until well into the overnight hours."
A cooling trend is expected to begin by Saturday, slowly lowering temperatures over the ensuing days, reaching normal levels by about Wednesday of next week, according to the NWS.
Due to the high heat, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an ozone advisory that will be in place until 8 p.m. Friday due to anticipated elevated smog levels because of the heat wave. The ozone level is expected to reach the unhealthy level or worse in the Santa Clarita Valley and portions of the San Gabriel Valley through Friday, according to the AQMD.
Officials warned the public to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air- conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Residents were also urged to never leave children or pets in unattended vehicles, which can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
The hot, dry weather will also create elevated fire conditions across the mountains, valleys and deserts throughout the week.